City approves funding for treatment plant upgrade

February 12, 2013

At a special meeting Monday, Warren City Council approved a state grant and loan package for improvement work on the city's wastewater treatment system.

Funding will go toward completion of improvements to the city's wastewater treatment plant and pump stations, which are projected to cost approximately $24,525,000.

Article Photos

Times Observer photo by Jacob PerrymanRoom for improvementsWarren City Council approved a package of grant and low-interest loan funding Monday night for work at the city’s watewater treatment plant and pumping stations. Project costs are estimated to total approximately $24.5 million and will be the first major improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment system since the 1980s.

On Jan. 22, the city was awarded a $4,508,277 grant through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) program. The grant is accompanied by a low-interest loan of $19,491,723 provided at a one percent interest rate over 30 years.

According to council member Dr. Howard Ferguson, council "approved the whole package. Both the grant and the loan portions" on Monday.

PENNVEST funding is being supplemented with a local contribution of approximately $525,000 toward the project.

Council member Sam Harvey explained that the city has spent, "about $300,000," on engineering work for the project, noting that the figure was not an exact number. He said the city has more money earmarked for further engineering expenses, which will make up the bulk of local contributions for the project.

"This is a project that has to be done in order for us to be compliant with the environmental laws," Harvey added.

In a press release dated Jan. 22, State Sen. Joe Scarnati praised the project saying it will, "protect local water supplies."

The project, according to the release, will bring the city into compliance with Pennsylvania's Clean Water and Clean Streams Acts.

The Scarnati release also claimed the project would generate 100 new jobs in the area.